(Copy) (Copy)
Dear Savannah and Sutton,
-Dad
Inside Out Lectionary Letters
Year A - 5th Sunday in Lent (Texts, Art, Hymns)
Readings for March 22, 2026
Ezekiel 37:1-14 / Psalm 130 / Romans 8:6-11 / John 11:1-45
Scripture as Mirror of the Soul - Psalm 130
This psalm is similar to the one discussed 3 weeks ago, Psalm 121, in that they are both psalms believed to have been sung on the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for annual celebrations and feasts. Psalm 121 seems to confess the fear and uncertainty of the future. It responds to fears by a movement toward trust. Psalm 130, on the other hand, seems to ruminate on the regrets of the past. In this one, the psalmist tries to respond to guilt and regret by a movement toward mercy and forgiveness. When guilt of the past and fear of the future dominate our soul, we are prevented from enjoying the fullness and joy of today.
The weight of guilt can be unbearable. The chains of regret are graphically depicted as a self-created burden upon Marley in the Dickens’ story, “A Christmas Carol.” The soul of the psalmist is in agony, and looks to the “unfailing love” of the Divine.
Love is the only answer to this struggle.
But the problem is moving from this outward life of striving for love, to the inner path of becoming love through the inner spirit of grace and forgiveness. Our human tendancy is to strive for parental love, love from a spouse, from children, mentors or friends. But it never seems to fill the empty chasm of low self worth. Until the love of God moves from an outward hope to an inward place of grace toward ALL of who we are, the endless striving continues. Forgiveness stays elusive. And guilt impedes growth.
But love can bring about full redemption. It is a work in which we must participate; not simply by receiving grace, but being practitioners of grace toward ourselves. The inner journey toward peace requires that the self-righteous parts drop the masks, and the parts that hold the shame drop the excuses. It is time for them to hold one another in grace and allow love to flow in both directions so that the pilgrimage to the sacred inner Jerusalem includes ALL of who we are.